Gerber Dual-Force vs Leatherman Surge
2 tools, measured the same way from the same sources. 13 of 29 rows read the same on all of them; the ones that differ are what follows. A rust value is the better one in that row, grey is the worse, and a dash means we have not verified the field rather than that the tool lacks it.
The Gerber Dual-Force weighs 340 g (12.0 oz) and the Leatherman Surge 354 g (12.5 oz), so the Gerber Dual-Force is 14 g lighter, 4% less. Only the Gerber Dual-Force has blunt-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, bit storage and chisel. The blade steel is Stainless steel on the Gerber Dual-Force and 420HC stainless steel on the Leatherman Surge.
Specifications last verified 2026-09-30.
Where they differ
Size and weight
The Gerber Dual-Force weighs 340 g (12.0 oz) and the Leatherman Surge 354 g (12.5 oz), so the Gerber Dual-Force is 14 g lighter, 4% less. Folded, the Gerber Dual-Force is 118.1 mm (4.65 in) long and the Leatherman Surge 114.3 mm (4.50 in).
Sources: Dual-Force: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Tools
Only the Gerber Dual-Force has blunt-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, bit storage and chisel. Only the Leatherman Surge has needlenose pliers, replaceable wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, electrical crimper, serrated knife, scissors, awl, can opener, bottle opener, wood/metal file, diamond-coated file, stranded-wire cutters and blade exchanger.
Sources: Dual-Force: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-08-26)
Blade
The blade steel is Stainless steel on the Gerber Dual-Force and 420HC stainless steel on the Leatherman Surge. Blade length is 82.6 mm (3.25 in) against 78.7 mm (3.10 in).
Sources: Dual-Force: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Pliers
The pliers are regular on the Gerber Dual-Force and needle-nose and regular on the Leatherman Surge.
Source: Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Carry
The Gerber Dual-Force comes with a sheath; the Leatherman Surge does not.
Sources: Dual-Force: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
Price and availability
At list price the Gerber Dual-Force is $34.96 cheaper: $124.99 against $159.95 for the Leatherman Surge.
Sources: Dual-Force: gerbergear.com (checked 2026-08-26), Surge: leatherman.com (checked 2026-09-30)
What they share
Both carry regular pliers, wire cutters, wire stripper, plain-edge knife, bit driver, saw, file, phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, ruler.
What reviewers say
Points raised by at least two independent reviewers on YouTube or Reddit, with how many made each one. The quotes behind every point are on the product pages.
Gerber Dual-Force
No point was repeated by independent reviewers yet.
Leatherman Surge
8 independent reviewers. All quotes
- ✓ Durable construction withstands heavy use 5
- ✓ Customizable and replaceable tool system 5
- ✓ Effective and ergonomic scissors 4
- − Tool is heavy and bulky 4
Questions
Which is better, the Gerber Dual-Force or the Leatherman Surge?
Neither leads in every measured field, so it depends on the use. Choose the Gerber Dual-Force if price matters (it is $34.96 cheaper at list price), you need a tool only it carries (blunt-nose pliers, slip-joint pliers, bit storage and chisel) or you want a sheath in the box. Choose the Leatherman Surge if you need a tool only it carries (needlenose pliers, replaceable wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, electrical crimper and 8 more) or you want a serrated blade.
Which is lighter, the Gerber Dual-Force or the Leatherman Surge?
The Gerber Dual-Force, at 340 g against 354 g for the Leatherman Surge, by the manufacturers' published weights.
Is the Leatherman Surge worth it?
The Leatherman Surge lists at $159.95, $7.62 per counted tool. Among 8 independent reviewers, the most repeated praise is "Durable construction withstands heavy use" (5 of 8), and the most repeated criticism is "Tool is heavy and bulky" (4 of 8).